Teach Math Like a Play episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 21, 2025 · 22 MIN

Teach Math Like a Play

from Tier 1 Interventions · host Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer

What if your math lessons felt more like a story than a worksheet? In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic reveal how to teach math like a play — using the power of storytelling to captivate every student.Discover how the Three-Act Math Story (Act 1 Hook • Act 2 Story • Act 3 Offer) transforms problem-solving into curiosity-driven learning. You’ll hear how teachers spark engagement with focus triggers like “Tell me about…” and nonverbal cues such as spirit fingers and jazz hands — all while keeping math meaningful, memorable, and fun.🎭 Because when math class has a plot, every student becomes part of the story.💬 Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments—start the conversation and build the movement because every student deserves to feel like a mathematician.🔔 Subscribe for more Tier 1 math interventions, strategies, and training. 📅 Join the next Masterclass → https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s YOUR take on starting with division?⏱️ Chapters00:00 Welcome to Tier 1 Interventions  00:38 Why Students Stop Thinking  02:06 The Three-Act Math Play  03:56 The Natalie Strategy: Get Every Student Talking  06:25 Leveling the Playing Field  08:05 Every Kid Has an Entry Point  10:18 Teach Like a Champion in Math Class  13:05 Hook • Story • Offer for Teachers  14:56 Spirit Fingers vs Jazz Hands 😂  19:56 Tangents That Teach  21:24 Preview: Double-Digit Multiplication  🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.🏷️ Hashtags#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri#MathEducation #TeacherLife #MasteryMath #Dysgraphia #Tier1Interventions #MathCoaching #Storytellinginmath

What if your math lessons felt more like a story than a worksheet? In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic reveal how to teach math like a play — using the power of storytelling to captivate every student.Discover how the Three-Act Math Story (Act 1 Hook • Act 2 Story • Act 3 Offer) transforms problem-solving into curiosity-driven learning. You’ll hear how teachers spark engagement with focus triggers like “Tell me about…” and nonverbal cues such as spirit fingers and jazz hands — all while keeping math meaningful, memorable, and fun.🎭 Because when math class has a plot, every student becomes part of the story.💬 Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments—start the conversation and build the movement because every student deserves to feel like a mathematician.🔔 Subscribe for more Tier 1 math interventions, strategies, and training. 📅 Join the next Masterclass → https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s YOUR take on starting with division?⏱️ Chapters00:00 Welcome to Tier 1 Interventions  00:38 Why Students Stop Thinking  02:06 The Three-Act Math Play  03:56 The Natalie Strategy: Get Every Student Talking  06:25 Leveling the Playing Field  08:05 Every Kid Has an Entry Point  10:18 Teach Like a Champion in Math Class  13:05 Hook • Story • Offer for Teachers  14:56 Spirit Fingers vs Jazz Hands 😂  19:56 Tangents That Teach  21:24 Preview: Double-Digit Multiplication  🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.🏷️ Hashtags#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri#MathEducation #TeacherLife #MasteryMath #Dysgraphia #Tier1Interventions #MathCoaching #Storytellinginmath

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Teach Math Like a Play

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How long is this episode of Tier 1 Interventions?

This episode is 22 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 21, 2025.

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What if your math lessons felt more like a story than a worksheet? In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic reveal how to teach math like a play — using the power of storytelling to captivate every student.Discover...

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